Police arrest six over alleged links to bandits, recover five guns
Authorities have unveiled the results of recent operations that led to the recovery of five firearms and the exposure of suspected criminal networks involved in the supply of motorcycles to bandits, as well as vehicle theft and terrorism financing.
Adamu Muazu, the Commander of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, where he presented several suspects to the media.
Among those apprehended were Nura Umar and Alhaji Rabiu Aliyu, who were arrested in Kaduna State on August 29, 2026, for their alleged roles in supplying motorcycles to bandits. Muazu stated that Aliyu provided the motorcycles, while Umar was responsible for delivering them to criminal hideouts. Authorities seized an unregistered Honda CV 125 motorcycle during the operation.
Muazu noted that Aliyu, described as an experienced participant in these activities, had been in contact with various bandits, as found in analyses of his communications.
In a related development, the police arrested Abdullahi Abubakar, suspected of armed robbery and operating a “one-chance” scheme, on October 12 in Kaduna. Abubakar, who previously served 13 years in prison for a similar offense, allegedly strangled victims before stealing their possessions. Investigations linked Abubakar to Boniface, an alleged gang leader currently incarcerated at Kaduna Correctional Centre, who authorities claim directed criminal activities from behind bars.
Muazu remarked on the unusual circumstances of Boniface’s involvement, stating, “He is in prison and has been communicating with this syndicate and telling them what to do.” Law enforcement recovered two pistols from a site associated with the gang and uncovered that stolen vehicles were reportedly sold through contacts in Kano, Kaduna, and Niger Republic.
In a separate operation on November 2 in Jos, Plateau State, police arrested three suspects—identified as Benjamin Okafor, Moses Akintuyi, and Emmanuel Megarfi—who are believed to be involved in armed robbery and kidnapping. According to Muazu, the trio allegedly robbed a victim at gunpoint, stealing N200,000, an unregistered Toyota Corolla, a laptop, three mobile phones, and three ATM cards. They are also accused of withdrawing N800,000 from the victim’s bank account. Authorities recovered three locally made pistols, one cartridge, and the stolen vehicle.
One of the suspects reportedly lived near the victim and initially posed as a sympathizer following the robbery. Police continue to investigate to identify additional accomplices and uncover further criminal connections.
